KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
20th October 2017
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 International News
Products Bowls of beauty: new manufacturing process produces super-fine basins
Shapes and edges like this are not possible using more traditional materials as the shape would not survive the firing process. New Zion Furniture from Crosswater: stunning yet functional
Step into the future with Hoover's touch-screen oven
Small bathrooms have huge design potential with the Geberit Bathroom Collection
'Transitional Living' with open-plan kitchens by Rotpunkt
Bringing a well-balanced fusion of 'classic meets modern', the traditional features of this kitchen are defined by Rotpunkt's Pastel Smoke Oak shaker-style cabinetry with one-panel design door and drawer fronts. New magic box: innovative first-fix solution for thermostatic shower solutions from VitrA
Bushboard Nuance at Kitchens & Bathrooms Live (Stand M635)
The complete bathroom solution from Crosswater
Easy use for everyone - a new classic from VitrA
Bertazzoni goes to new lengths with 110cm range
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As someone who's habitually found it difficult to employ an affordable tradesperson who's good at his or her trade and who can 'fit me in', a press release I received this morning really hit home. Heating and boiler specialist Warm.co.uk is warning that the UK is in danger of running so low on plumbers that we face the biggest crisis in 20 years. It says plumbing as a profession is being neglected when it comes to attracting and training new workers and that the Government must do something about this now, or we could face a near future where emergency call-outs could take up to three weeks in large cities, putting health and businesses in danger. As well as the terrible waiting times even for emergency work, the company warns of hugely inflated prices for those who have the money, leaving those who don't, in an even worse situation. It recommends that the Government offers incentives for school-leavers to go straight into apprenticeships and training for the profession, meaning they can begin working very soon after education. You might think that this won't go down well with good tradespeople who are already in the business, and are probably enjoying the benefits of being in high demand, but perhaps this isn't the case... Busy plumbing business owner Stephen, for example, says: "I'm the only plumbing business serving quite a large area. We do what we can but there are always more jobs to do than there are hours in the day. "You might think we'd be happy with that and annoyed if lots of other people started working as plumbers, but that's not true. We struggle to recruit. I hate letting people down by not being able to come out sooner, and I'd ideally like to expand my business by employing more people. There are three of us and I can't find anyone else even though the workload is growing." The average salary for a plumber in the UK is, apparently, currently upwards of £23,000, but can rise to over £37,000 depending on experience and location. Warm.co.uk hopes that the Government can use this relatively high wage to entice young people into the profession. I agree 100%. We have a growing population and when we talk about not having the infrastructure to support it, we generally think about schools, healthcare facilities and the like rather than the means to maintain them... Yours,
 This Week's News
New report reveals acquisition targets
Ideal Standard become latest BiKBBI Corporate Sponsor
Ideal Standard is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial and healthcare bathroom solutions and the premier brands within its group also includes Sottini and Armitage Shanks, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.
Launched at the ISH show this year, and available now, Mya takes its inspiration from the wooden clothes horse of yesteryear, featuring light, open pieces in natural or dark grey matt oak veneer, themed around hanging rails and practical drawers. Matching matt basins are available in white and stunning dramatic black. Utopia continues quest for modular dominance
Its fourth product launch this year, the new Halo range has a host of new features, additional units and a palette of six new on-trend colours. Supported by inspirational photography reflecting the latest home interior styles, the new range is very realistically priced to target a younger audience wanting stylish British quality products at affordable prices. Abode adds new 'on-trend' colour to Harmonie bathroom range
New technical director arrives at BMA
Whirlpool donates dishwasher to local charity in support of National Quiet Day
CPSL Mind has introduced the new and innovative service, The Sanctuary, to provide a safe haven for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. The setting is a welcoming and a non-clinical environment in which visitors receive compassionate support from trained staff. In an effort to make life easier, for both the visitors and the staff - and to keep the setting clutter-free, Whirlpool has provided and installed a SupremeClean slimline dishwasher. British Ceramic Tile rolls out new brand
In an industry known for its lack of consumer brands, British Ceramic Tile has set out to challenge current perceptions and provide consumers with a credible, fashion-forward tile brand known and loved for its high quality British manufacturing heritage and style-led approach. Bath remodelling expert introduces exclusive anti-mould and mildew technology
Infused into all of CBE's bathtub and shower offerings, Microban is designed to inhibit the growth of mildew and mould and helps bathtubs and showers stay cleaner and fresher for longer, reducing the environmental impact caused by more frequent cleaning. BiKBBI: First regional ambassador appointed
Angela (pictured) joins the British Institute in her new role, after working with the organisation over the last two years as an independent inspector.
With a 'help me choose' section, and technical information, the guide offers a complete overview of Triton's full range, from digital showers through to shower accessories, providing an all in one resource for all users and marketplaces. Kitchen design looks pretty in pink with Masterclass
Pastel-inspired yet bold enough to form a striking contrast to more neutral tones, Vintage Rose is the perfect partner to always on-trend shades such as grey and white, and popular materials such as timber, stainless steel and stone. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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'Better Together' presentation from Sir Clive Woodward closes KBSA conference
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New financial protection for BiKBBI members and their customers
Scottish construction bodies reject CITB levy proposals Members of the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) and the Scottish Decorators' Federation (SDF) have both voted overwhelmingly to reject the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) proposals to continue to raise the construction industry training levy. KBBG welcomes JTP as a new supplier to members
How changing UK bathing habits can boost business for KBB retailers
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The price is right with Blanco's new online dealer portal
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